Don't trust everyone at work , your co-workers,boss, manager , all these people don't necessarily want you to be happy or care.. You're wont be aknowledge for your hard work. I was burn-outed for 6 month , my work place was a mess and the thirty-one year was a big step for me , but i learn that , i am the only person who can decide of my happiness and more importantly my worth in all the aspects of my life 🙂 so I take my Hierarchy by the neck and shake it , finally they find an another place in a new service. I'm french , and the law is very strict when your sick because of your work (not everytime) and i know that i'm very lucky compare to other 🤗 Bisous from France 🇲🇫😘
Hi! I’m in the same boat as you (majored in accounting, in public accounting now, dreaming of a fashion career/creative career everyday). I’ve learned from advice to feel proud of how I’ve spent my time, used my resources, and what I’ve learned from mistakes and experiences. No matter the job or personal relationship, what we learn always comes in handy one way or another. Feel confident in what you believe in, and brave. And if you don’t feel those, FAKE IT until it becomes reality. It really works. Thank you for sharing this new adventure! It’s giving me hope for myself that one day it will be my time to do the same 💕
9-5s are always everyone’s safety career. I’m so glad you’re putting what you want and your happiness first instead of taking the “safer” route. This is a new beginning for you and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. you deserve to be happy❤️
I have a similar experience, so I thought I would share the story as well. Despite the fact I've always dreamed of med school, I decided to go for a language degree - Japanese, and then pursue international marketing. And the reason? Having people tell me I'm gonna regret ever going to med school due to how time-consuming it is, and that it's better to be independent early, travel, and be "that girl". And even though I was/am a top performer, who received a top scholarship from the Japanese government, I still feel so unfulfilled and drained, that I decided to go for it and apply for med school at the age of 22. Going into some industry because of money, the ability to travel is not always enough. I had the opportunities, the money, and people looking at me and saying 'wow, you're incredible. But it means NOTHING when you feel empty inside. You go girl, fight for your dreams and search for things that will bring you long-time fulfilment. Lot's of love, Zoe❤
I love your story because I’m in med school and I still dream a bit of pursuing a language degree - you can start med school at any age so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!! Tho I have my career ahead of me I think I’ll take language courses at a community college when the time is right :)
another language major regret here 😅 or better to say, it is not really a regret, I’d just like to have a more conventional and fulfilling profession (besides corporate positions)
Don’t feel bad for your age! I was 25 when I started med school and now I’m 26 and there are still people older than me :) good luck for your application!
@@nameless9851 for me, these couple of years of being focused on humanities, helped me grow as a person, tremendously. I hope it's the same for you! It's never too late to explore our passions, let's just stay observant and hopefully we will end up doing something we fully enjoy. Good luck!
My husband left his big 10 accounting job and he has never been happier. He is still an accountant, but working a true 8-5, not the 60-80 hour work weeks. It’s been a game changer. Never feel bad for choosing yourself.
@@user-rt9dt3sy5k I'm curious; tell me please an example of growth with comfortable feeling. Because I'm more backing up statement that 'growth can only happen through discomfort' so I want to see why You think otherwise.
Left my Big 4 job last month, and your reasons for quitting really resonate with me. I was on track for an early promotion too, but the nonexistent work-life balance made it unsustainable. It was a tough decision, but I’ve never felt so relieved. I finally have my life back and can’t wait to rediscover myself. Thanks for sharing your story, Zoe
Yaaay! I'm so happy for you! I'm a job-quitter, I haven't lasted anywhere for very long, even when I was good at it. Other people (especially older people) don't get it -"Why are you quitting your job? You should be grateful you have one. You should settle, you can't keep doing this forever" - but to be honest, it's the best feeling. There's times when you know it's not that bad, and you like the people you work with, but the moment your alarm goes off in the morning you just get angry at the thought of having to spend your day like that... (tbh, this is what made me start going to therapy haha). That's just not for you. There's so much out there, never tie yourself up to a job, whatever that is. Good luck! You're going to enjoy working in marketing :D
@@lealeia2837 well, for me it was taking a long break because what was making me angry and anxious was my job. Other people will have their own solutions 🤷♀️
Just graduated my internship and started as a data analyst at a bank two weeks ago. The job causes constant anxiety..as tech is one of those things that you’re constantly having to learn, unlike retail. The only thing I liked about retail is I knew almost everything and didn’t have to learn something new EVERYDAY. I like learning, but I don’t like not knowing things at the same time. I have always been told I lack common sense most of middle school and part of high school (only book smart) so I’m always afraid to not know anything or to always asks questions. Also, I feel bad for the older people who have a hard time getting full time (a lot of them are contractors and not by choice.) I’m also just like “lol I only got hired bc I’m young and they want me for cheap.” I just have to say, “this doesn’t have to be forever.”
I was the opposite! I wanted to do something creative but i realised i only enjoyed it as a hobby and do not see myself being passionate about it as a career. So i changed my route to the engineering / research side. I felt that i suited this field more and i started making videos for fun instead. I think a lot of ppl like to switch careers from one to the other end of extreme. It’s important to find a middle ground and u can do both to be happy. Hopefully your new job will bring exciting and fulfilling journey ahead!!!! Looking forward to new content from you !
i relate! currently in art school and i've realized that making a career out of my major will lose the joy of creating as a passion for me / i won't feel fulfilled and that i did not want my financial worth to be tied to whether i was feeling creative or not (+ creative burnouts are so real and i can't imagine having to push through it even when you feel too empty to make anything because you have responsibilities to tend to) and now i'm trying to pursue project management and take up more of a business design and research approach to my career path instead :) i think having a middle ground where you can combine your interests as an individual and also do something that you wouldn't mind doing consistently even when it goes tedious is important for sure - life isn't all about extreme ends and black and white
Omgggg “I wanna stay until manager” I said the exact same thing! I didn’t want to be one of those people who leave at senior associate level where it’s notoriously stressful (low salary while you’re expected to be a pseudo manager). I thought that if you manage to ‘survive’ the ‘baptism by fire’ then you’ll be able to finally chill. And definitely agree with you on the team, it’s one of the best parts of the company. I’m not in Financial audit but yea the normalised overtime is quite pervasive and it really brings down the appeal of the job esp combined with the low salary. I have had my free time taken away because of me staying back at work. As much as the companies’ been emphasising ‘well-being’, it’s still hindered because of the utilisation rate system discouraging workers from taking breaks or doing things that are not directly making the company money. Many of us consider Big 4 and other similar companies as training grounds or boot camps, where we get put in the wringer for a few years and come out able to handle high pressure work environments. Because Big 4 tends to be more fast paced and stressful, we have to learn quickly how to manage teams and projects, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This style of ‘training’ isn’t suited for everyone of course. Anyway, super excited for you, and best of luck for the next stage of your career!
OMG this hits home! I've been in audit for almost 6 years, 1,5 of them during covid and man oh man, it was tough. sometimes I think how I even mentally was able to do it for so long. that is so fascinating to see that the big4 culture is exactly the same around the globe - long hours, extreme exhaustion, even the dialogues you have with your coworkers are pretty much the same I had when quitting. so glad that you understand that public accounting was not for you early on!
I'm almost 30 and I am quitting my job in PwC (different country, different department) this month :) I was on sick leave for couple of months, because of my mental breakdown and depression, I was crying a lot in front of my work computer. I've started therapy. Now I feel very well and I am sure I never want to go back there. Lots of love
Im surprised by how low the hourly wage ended up being. After graduating, i wanted to get a lab job asap to tell the world that my science degrees paid off. However, it quickly hit me how hard it was to find an entry lvl job that paid well. I remember being told by a recruiter that setting my salary expectation to $13/hr was a Good thing. Hell, i've even seen jobs as low as $11/hr. The job i ended up having for the past ~3 yrs is one that does not even require a college degree but it still paid a lot better and gave me more freedom than a lot of entry lvl lab jobs
Just 6 months ago my bf quit his auditing job (after 8 years) from one of the big4 firms cause it got too crazy. He was working on 20 different clients/jobs all at once! We clicked the “resign” button together on the company system hahah. Best decision ever because now my bf is doing a contracting job for several companies, earning 2-3x his original salary. Always put your mental health + physical health first! Trust that things will always work out.
the way I relate with this video... I took a bachelor degree in management, specifically because I was afraid of the uncertainty of a creative career, but I feel like there's something missing in my life... I work a 9-5 job at the moment and it gives me the stability I was looking for, but I for sure need to work on my creativity and finally explore ways to work on what I like and aspire to be! Thank you for this video!
Dude as someone who graduated from ucla (summer 2020) and started working as a corporate financial analyst in 2021, this is definitely the third sign I’ve gotten to quit my job. I’m burnt out as hell and i’m NOT passionate or enjoy my job nor do I like the terrible work-life balance I have from this job BUT this job is paying bills and my ucla student loans. That being said I’m turning 24 this year and I get a LOT of anxiety thinking how all I’ve done since turning 22 is work, work, WORK for the sake of constantly growing up in a survival mode, but not actually taking the time to breathe and pause and actually ask myself what it is I gravitate towards.
So happy for you to take such a big leap and great responsibility for your life. It is so motivating to see others following their passion. I believe we are created to follow our passion. It is the meaning of life. Otherwise there is no difference between being dead or alive, no point for living. But making decision intelligently, which means trying not to cause harm, and surviving in the moment, is the best way.
Wow, this was the video I needed to see. Just a bit of background I am 2 years into my big 4 career in International Tax and I know how lucky I am to have been able to work in this practice especially in a time of global tax reform where career outlooks in this field are going to be great. However, I am former military and I am missing that sense of purpose in my life. I loved helping people directly in that first responder type of environment, I liked seeing the direct impact of my job and working to help corporations pay less taxes is just not fulfilling me. I have been wanting to career switch into being a firefighter and I submitted my resignation today to pursue that. All that said, thank you for this! I already feel so much happier
I interned in big 4 and that was enough for me lol. I got a grad offer and instantly turned it down. I am now working in industry and it is SO much better. Progression isn’t hampered at all and my starting pay is $15k more than big 4. You made the right decision, and you have to be brave in order to do that. It’s easier to just accept status quo, it’s actually very hard to stop and change things. Congrats and best of luck :)
I’m only twenty so my experience quitting is pertaining to university not a job, but I saw that my fashion design school was going to take my passion and desire to work in fashion away from me and burn me out for years. So I left my previous design school and I’ve been taking a gap year studying Italian full time and figuring out where to go from here. I keep finding myself in a similar place of wanting to feel safety. Up until last week I was planning to take the entrance exam for Bocconi (very competitive business school) and one day while studying I just thought if it’s this hard to motivate myself to learn for this exam, it won’t be any easier if I attend this school. So now I’m doing an exam for an actual design program that I actually enjoy learning about. The exam isn’t until September, which means if I don’t get in then, there’s no backup school, but I’m okay with that now. Things don’t always have to go to plan and I can figure out the bumps when they arrive.
Yup, I am a job quitter too. Had a great team, but working in the corporate environment wasn't fulfilling for me, so I only did it for 1.5 years, took 1 year break from working and I'm working on becoming a content creator too, as I enjoy telling stories, helping people and doing creative & educational stuff. If I ever need more money, I'll just go for a part-time job that won't drain all my energy so I can stay focused on the things that really matter to me.
This is literally one of the most honest and important things I have ever watched, I have been struggling with the career part of my life for a while and recently I have been really realizing and prioritizing myself and this is so helpful, thank you so much!
I hope to be able to do the same you did pretty soon! Corporate job drains all your happiness if you're a top performer, because we like to do a perfect job and we give our best and when we see we are working and doing much more than we should and we're paid for. You're amazing, thanks for the video! Happy you better now
I only saw the title and didn’t even watch the entire video and my reaction is - heck yeah finally. You’re better than this accounting job. So much better.
I just recently started working at a big four firm in assurance and I already feel like this is not the right job for me long term, but at the same time, I do enjoy parts of the job while hating other parts. what really stuck out to me tho is that you said an experience that shows you what you don't want is just as valuable as one that works out. I feel like I really needed to hear that. I push myself a lot to figure things out right now as if I am wasting my time or not living my life to the fullest and I feel like I have to remind myself that this is a great learning opportunity to find out what I like and don't like about accounting to help me find a direction to go in, so thank you for that insight.
I am soo freaking happy for you, Zoe! You got me feeling emotional 😭 I actually met you virtually briefly during last summer and I really do admire your courage and confidence in breaking out and pursuing a path that makes you happy. I sometime debate on whether I should pursue working in audit at Big Four or working at global based fraud investigation company, since I am interested in international fraud field. You brought up the fact that we need to explore on what we want to do, instead of securing right away, so I will try to do that during my college years. Best of luck at your new job and I am excited to see your creative side bloom more : ) Lots of Love Zoe!! ❤️
I've literally just quit my corporate job too! I jumped straight into this job right after I graduated as it was the only job in my area that needed a foreign language speaker and I've been miserable, but at the same time it's taught me a lot about what I want in a job. I realised that I wanted to do something that involved my foreign languages more and I wanted to be my own boss! I'm now going to go freelance as a translator... Scary to make that step but uts the best one to do.
Zoe I’m genuinely so happy and proud of you! I’m in the same boat with the leave thinking about the future and you have inspired me to take a leap of faith and recover from the never ending busy seasons. So excited for everything that’s to come for you!
I changed my major once already and now I still don't feel happy with my current one (psychology), because I'm also a rather creative person😩 but I told myself I should at least push through this one and not waste my credits. It's kinda hard to meet the pressure from parents, surrounding etc
You did the right thing and I'm so happy for you! Marketing will definitely be more fitting for you since it's a more creative field! I think that in order to grow we need to make big changes in our lives. I have already put in my 2 weeks notice but I have no plan. Just some savings. But I know that I'm still young and that job and work place is not for me. I'll put my mental health first. To anyone reading this, don't be afraid to take the risk. ✨
I also tried my hand at accounting. I think I lasted a month and I was like nope. Then I did a law degree and what do you know, we have units such as accounting for lawyers, economics and the law, economics analysis of the law. Accounting is my unofficial stalker 🤣🤣
You know what, I'm so proud of you and who you have become over the years you are amazing and I'm so glad your choosing what is good for you I love you so much thank you for giving me hope in my life
Okay I'm gonna put it here. I've done bachelors in English Literature and Linguistics and I've always been the best student of my class the entire time. I was an average student in my school, loved all subjects except maths, physics and chemistry, idk why I never was good at them. I've always loved English, so even though I did not choose this field for myself I still ended up liking it. Now when I'm done with it I'm literally clueless. I didn't think about what I was going to do after my bachelors degree. I'll probably continue my studies but career wise, I'm stuck as f. The most common option would be to go for teaching, but I can't stress enough how much I dislike doing that. I tried to do it, didn't last more than 3 days lol. It always makes me feel suffocated, and I'm not being dramatic I swear. This field literally just packs me in a small box and I hate it here. Everybody around me think I should do it anyway cause that's how I'll get experience. I don't understand what experience they're talking about? I'm unhappy when I'm doing that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just scared to do this, idek. So now when I'm doing nothing, I'm so tired of everything. I'm always feeling guilty for not doing anything and think maybe i should have gone for teaching, maybe everyone's right lol. I'm so scared, to the point that I fear I'll end up doing exactly what I don't like doing. I wish I knew what I wanted but I don't, sad. I wish I end up doing what I love, which I don't know either. This is such a sensitive thing for me and no one around me understands this, I'm scared to death thinking about all this. Ahh, I had no one to talk to so I just wrote it all here, wanted to get it off my chest. Zoe your content is the best, always, and as someone who knows the desire to do something you really love, I really do wish you always do what you love. Lots of love x
I also quit my public accounting job. There was so much burn out. I did the math and saw that hourly the pay was not worth it. I loved my team and work but the sheer amount of work was just not it. Switching industries and going to a place where I can work with creative people made life 100x better. I value work-life balance so so so much more now than I did when I was in university. Seeing Zoe happy and liberated is so exciting and i'm so happy for her!
This might sound so weird but i mean it in the best way possible- your hand movements are like visual ASMR and i'm absolutely addicted to how you express your thoughts through movement. It's hypnotic. Thank you for the calming and thoughtful videos Zoe ❣️
I know I dislike accounting but the thought of having a stable job and income made me choose this path. I wonder if I should work in audit to get the "experience" and come back to accounting. Or just choose a completely different path, which I don't know where to go.
I am in the situation as u. But i decided to get the experience of audit for few years first despite on how busy it is. There are a lot more advisory job that we could explore as an accounting student, not only being an accountant. All those jobs also are stable jobs. Nevertheless , having the experience in audit could make it easier for you to get into advisory or any other accounting field. Just make research about career offer that come with accounting qualification. U can see other job scope than accountant and audit. Maybe you will find one that suits you the most. Goodluck !
This is exactly what I needed to see. I have been an accounting major for about two years. Last week I decided to make a big change and go into the English school to pursue my passions of Literature and Writing. While I was taking more business centered classes, that was honestly the worst time of my life. It wasn't just school, my job was busy and horrible, and I was just unmotivated and had no passion. I chose accounting because I value security and knew that taking that route would grant me that in the future. I also have responsibilities and wanted to be financially stable for myself, and my family in the future. But as Zoe said, time is valuable and time is money. If I have more time flexibility in a more creative career, then I think I'd be of even more value to my family in the future. And even though I am reaching for a significantly lower paying job now, that doesn't mean I can't build up my wealth through investing or making other smart financial decisions. For the first time in a long time, I am excited and looking forward to my future and the career I want to pursue. I'm working harder in school, and really working to get my life in order. I can't live an unpassionate life anymore, and I refuse to waste what precious time I've been given on this earth. Anyway, I really appreciate everything Zoe does and am so so happy for her. She's truly and inspiration and role model to all people.
congrats on the new job!! number 4 is THE TRUTH. i recently quit my leadership position that everyone tells me i was good at because i HATED it. it stressed me out so much and isn't something i ever even wanted to do, but i just ended up there. starting a new job doing something i enjoy very soon and couldn't be more excited 😁😁
Zoe, I am so proud of you!! Health and wellbeing is the most important. And don't worry about uploading- rather a late update with you being happy than you being burned out because of stress!
Kinda sad to see this since, as you know, the industry is in dire need of new talent. You actually really inspired me through my ACCT journey, and I even landed the same firm. So I am a little sad to see this since I am so excited to start.
I'm so so so happy for you Zoe :) full power to you ! You know such decisions are hard to take but you did it I'm so happy and I hope you get to do what you not only good at but passionate too this time
This really resonates with me I’ve always wanted to be a chef but my parents pressured me into engineering. Been kinda regretting since day one, and I’m about to graduate. Definitely won’t settle for this too long, but in the meantime I’ll have to.
wow, what a coincidence that you upload this video on the same day when I started considering leaving my job. I relate so much to what you were going through. I know I'm made for a more creative job than my 9-5 but I'm soo hesitant to leave my job because my team is great! But I can't stay just for the team, or because I feel obligated to stay longer since I haven't started a long time ago. I'm still confused as to what I should do now. But thank you so much for sharing your journey, zoe! It's helping me realize some important things.
omg zoe, thank you for sharing this!! i started following you because i loved your videos and how you spoke so eloquently - but i also loved the fact you worked in accounting (so do i!) and you talked about how damn miserable it is!!! ive been working to switch careers (even going back to school) because this profession is just awful imo. everyone in our field is overworked and underpaid - never appreciated and frequently disrespected by clients. it’s exhausting. the pay seems high until you account for the mandatory overtime - then you realize you don’t even make minimum wage :/ anyway, this video was so so comforting. thank you so much for sharing 🥺❤️ im looking forward to quitting my job too lol!!
I also take a break after my exam is on next Tuesday. I Hope I do my all. I love Zoe sis because she always say what you need for your happy life. Because we just have just 1 life.🍃
The cultural difference is interesting. In Spain (or mostly Europe), we consider the big 4 to start a professional career (as an intern or junior), but not forever! We call them "factories" and we dream of ending up in a small company, more friendly. We would never tolerate a life in which work is the center of everything, nor work in a company that doesn't think about our well-being. But I have been working in the sector for 7 years and I know... It's very difficult to quit. I wish you a wonderful life full of joy and beautiful things 💕
Watching this specific video of yours really reminds me of what I am currently going through. I am actually an incoming 4th year Accounting Stud, and always felt that this career path is not for me 'cuz I am more in tuned with my creative side. However, I can't really quit midway (huhuhuhu eldest daughter problems). I really admire how you chose yourself over a career that has been slowly killing you. I hope I would too. Thanks, Sis Zoe
sometime i know it's hard the life has a very good reason for everthing but it doesn't tell you coz it is testing you just don't be yourself if possible evertime try to better yourself i know it's hard but just do it.....
i'm currently in the midst of a long leave and i suppose, going through the same process as you -- deciding if this career is for me, where i should go next, self-exploration etc. I really hope things go well - because i was really at my breaking point.
Her smile and the look she gives is literally EVERYTHING bro !!! zeounlimited if you see this than plzz post a vid of u only smiling looking in da camera and imma literally die after watching it 👀😫💜🤷♀️
I’m really glad and proud of you that you decided to do this change for yourself. And I’m super happy about the new job, marketing will suit you much better and I hope you’ll be happy there ❤️
I am a teenager and my family wants me to do something that I am absolutely have no interest or I would be never happy doing it when I saw you I understand being happy in what we do is good for us we don't regret it later I was so confused about what should I choose but this help me out thanks .All the best to all who are on there way to happiness
so so happy for you!! this video gave me a lot of inspiration, as I am in college trying to figure out my career choices.. so thank u so much for the amazing content + best of luck with the new job! :)
i'm really excited for you!! it's always scary to jump into something unfamiliar. i wanted to go to med school from a young age but decided to do a science degree first and i'm really glad i made that choice because it made me realize that it wasn't really what i wanted. double-majoring in biochemistry and sociology now but i hope to apply to law school after grad. best of luck to you and can't wait for more content!
Congratulations! So proud of you. I left the practice of law to become a playwright and I've never once regretted it. My Korean mother is mortified, but she loves me anyway and that's all that matters.
Thank you for making this video! I am leaving my corporate job in May when I graduate college, so that I can move to a different country and work primarily outdoors and with a small business. It's a huge financial risk, but you are so right that mental health and choosing to pursue what inspires you is so much more important (when possible, privilege helps I know).
You re so brave for doing that thinking about your own mental health and what is better for you. Thanking you so much for sharing this with us. Being only in my first year of college, It reassures me a lot.
What are some career advices you would give or wish you received?💭
Don't trust everyone at work , your co-workers,boss, manager , all these people don't necessarily want you to be happy or care..
You're wont be aknowledge for your hard work.
I was burn-outed for 6 month , my work place was a mess and the thirty-one year was a big step for me , but i learn that , i am the only person who can decide of my happiness and more importantly my worth in all the aspects of my life 🙂 so I take my Hierarchy by the neck and shake it , finally they find an another place in a new service.
I'm french , and the law is very strict when your sick because of your work (not everytime) and i know that i'm very lucky compare to other 🤗
Bisous from France 🇲🇫😘
love it or leave it
Hi! I’m in the same boat as you (majored in accounting, in public accounting now, dreaming of a fashion career/creative career everyday). I’ve learned from advice to feel proud of how I’ve spent my time, used my resources, and what I’ve learned from mistakes and experiences. No matter the job or personal relationship, what we learn always comes in handy one way or another. Feel confident in what you believe in, and brave. And if you don’t feel those, FAKE IT until it becomes reality. It really works. Thank you for sharing this new adventure! It’s giving me hope for myself that one day it will be my time to do the same 💕
Sis
I just wanna tell you
You are my inspiration
You are kinda building me up
I m trying harder to be you
Thank you forever 💞
9-5s are always everyone’s safety career. I’m so glad you’re putting what you want and your happiness first instead of taking the “safer” route. This is a new beginning for you and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. you deserve to be happy❤️
Not related but my name is Khalia D. Almost twinning 🥳
@@bubblefulification what?? This is so cool
9-5 is what they are called, when in reality it's always a 9-10/11/12mn/1am kinda job.... and sometimes not a 5 day week and might be a 7 day week :(
For some people (and for some career options) 9-5s are a great option. There's nothing wrong with wanting the safe route.
Yesss
I have a similar experience, so I thought I would share the story as well.
Despite the fact I've always dreamed of med school, I decided to go for a language degree - Japanese, and then pursue international marketing. And the reason? Having people tell me I'm gonna regret ever going to med school due to how time-consuming it is, and that it's better to be independent early, travel, and be "that girl".
And even though I was/am a top performer, who received a top scholarship from the Japanese government, I still feel so unfulfilled and drained, that I decided to go for it and apply for med school at the age of 22. Going into some industry because of money, the ability to travel is not always enough. I had the opportunities, the money, and people looking at me and saying 'wow, you're incredible. But it means NOTHING when you feel empty inside.
You go girl, fight for your dreams and search for things that will bring you long-time fulfilment.
Lot's of love, Zoe❤
I love your story because I’m in med school and I still dream a bit of pursuing a language degree - you can start med school at any age so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!! Tho I have my career ahead of me I think I’ll take language courses at a community college when the time is right :)
another language major regret here 😅 or better to say, it is not really a regret, I’d just like to have a more conventional and fulfilling profession (besides corporate positions)
Don’t feel bad for your age! I was 25 when I started med school and now I’m 26 and there are still people older than me :) good luck for your application!
@@MsRenesmeeSwan that's so reassuring, thank you so much and good luck on your journey!
@@nameless9851 for me, these couple of years of being focused on humanities, helped me grow as a person, tremendously. I hope it's the same for you! It's never too late to explore our passions, let's just stay observant and hopefully we will end up doing something we fully enjoy. Good luck!
Seeing Zoe's face when she laughs and smiles makes my day a thousand times better
:) same
My husband left his big 10 accounting job and he has never been happier. He is still an accountant, but working a true 8-5, not the 60-80 hour work weeks. It’s been a game changer. Never feel bad for choosing yourself.
growth can only happen through discomfort, I’m proud of you for putting your happiness before “the norm” and letting go of that safety-net
I agree with your comments but growth doesn’t only happen through discomfort😊
@@user-rt9dt3sy5k I'm curious; tell me please an example of growth with comfortable feeling. Because I'm more backing up statement that 'growth can only happen through discomfort' so I want to see why You think otherwise.
@@ya_done I meant it in a way that a lot of people think you need to suffer to be able to grow, that is not always true.
@@user-rt9dt3sy5k You right. Fortunately, change doesn't have to be create through pain.🥳🥳
Left my Big 4 job last month, and your reasons for quitting really resonate with me. I was on track for an early promotion too, but the nonexistent work-life balance made it unsustainable. It was a tough decision, but I’ve never felt so relieved. I finally have my life back and can’t wait to rediscover myself. Thanks for sharing your story, Zoe
Yaaay! I'm so happy for you! I'm a job-quitter, I haven't lasted anywhere for very long, even when I was good at it. Other people (especially older people) don't get it -"Why are you quitting your job? You should be grateful you have one. You should settle, you can't keep doing this forever" - but to be honest, it's the best feeling. There's times when you know it's not that bad, and you like the people you work with, but the moment your alarm goes off in the morning you just get angry at the thought of having to spend your day like that... (tbh, this is what made me start going to therapy haha). That's just not for you. There's so much out there, never tie yourself up to a job, whatever that is. Good luck! You're going to enjoy working in marketing :D
and what is the solution to not being angry when getting up?
@@lealeia2837 well, for me it was taking a long break because what was making me angry and anxious was my job. Other people will have their own solutions 🤷♀️
Just graduated my internship and started as a data analyst at a bank two weeks ago. The job causes constant anxiety..as tech is one of those things that you’re constantly having to learn, unlike retail. The only thing I liked about retail is I knew almost everything and didn’t have to learn something new EVERYDAY. I like learning, but I don’t like not knowing things at the same time. I have always been told I lack common sense most of middle school and part of high school (only book smart) so I’m always afraid to not know anything or to always asks questions. Also, I feel bad for the older people who have a hard time getting full time (a lot of them are contractors and not by choice.) I’m also just like “lol I only got hired bc I’m young and they want me for cheap.” I just have to say, “this doesn’t have to be forever.”
SO PROUD OF YOUUUUUUU
THANK YOU KAITI!!!😚🤍🤍🤍
I was the opposite! I wanted to do something creative but i realised i only enjoyed it as a hobby and do not see myself being passionate about it as a career. So i changed my route to the engineering / research side. I felt that i suited this field more and i started making videos for fun instead. I think a lot of ppl like to switch careers from one to the other end of extreme. It’s important to find a middle ground and u can do both to be happy.
Hopefully your new job will bring exciting and fulfilling journey ahead!!!! Looking forward to new content from you !
i relate! currently in art school and i've realized that making a career out of my major will lose the joy of creating as a passion for me / i won't feel fulfilled and that i did not want my financial worth to be tied to whether i was feeling creative or not (+ creative burnouts are so real and i can't imagine having to push through it even when you feel too empty to make anything because you have responsibilities to tend to) and now i'm trying to pursue project management and take up more of a business design and research approach to my career path instead :) i think having a middle ground where you can combine your interests as an individual and also do something that you wouldn't mind doing consistently even when it goes tedious is important for sure - life isn't all about extreme ends and black and white
Omgggg “I wanna stay until manager” I said the exact same thing! I didn’t want to be one of those people who leave at senior associate level where it’s notoriously stressful (low salary while you’re expected to be a pseudo manager). I thought that if you manage to ‘survive’ the ‘baptism by fire’ then you’ll be able to finally chill. And definitely agree with you on the team, it’s one of the best parts of the company.
I’m not in Financial audit but yea the normalised overtime is quite pervasive and it really brings down the appeal of the job esp combined with the low salary. I have had my free time taken away because of me staying back at work. As much as the companies’ been emphasising ‘well-being’, it’s still hindered because of the utilisation rate system discouraging workers from taking breaks or doing things that are not directly making the company money.
Many of us consider Big 4 and other similar companies as training grounds or boot camps, where we get put in the wringer for a few years and come out able to handle high pressure work environments. Because Big 4 tends to be more fast paced and stressful, we have to learn quickly how to manage teams and projects, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This style of ‘training’ isn’t suited for everyone of course.
Anyway, super excited for you, and best of luck for the next stage of your career!
OMG this hits home! I've been in audit for almost 6 years, 1,5 of them during covid and man oh man, it was tough. sometimes I think how I even mentally was able to do it for so long. that is so fascinating to see that the big4 culture is exactly the same around the globe - long hours, extreme exhaustion, even the dialogues you have with your coworkers are pretty much the same I had when quitting. so glad that you understand that public accounting was not for you early on!
I'm almost 30 and I am quitting my job in PwC (different country, different department) this month :) I was on sick leave for couple of months, because of my mental breakdown and depression, I was crying a lot in front of my work computer. I've started therapy. Now I feel very well and I am sure I never want to go back there.
Lots of love
Im surprised by how low the hourly wage ended up being.
After graduating, i wanted to get a lab job asap to tell the world that my science degrees paid off. However, it quickly hit me how hard it was to find an entry lvl job that paid well. I remember being told by a recruiter that setting my salary expectation to $13/hr was a Good thing. Hell, i've even seen jobs as low as $11/hr. The job i ended up having for the past ~3 yrs is one that does not even require a college degree but it still paid a lot better and gave me more freedom than a lot of entry lvl lab jobs
bio/microbio
Just 6 months ago my bf quit his auditing job (after 8 years) from one of the big4 firms cause it got too crazy. He was working on 20 different clients/jobs all at once!
We clicked the “resign” button together on the company system hahah. Best decision ever because now my bf is doing a contracting job for several companies, earning 2-3x his original salary.
Always put your mental health + physical health first! Trust that things will always work out.
the way I relate with this video... I took a bachelor degree in management, specifically because I was afraid of the uncertainty of a creative career, but I feel like there's something missing in my life...
I work a 9-5 job at the moment and it gives me the stability I was looking for, but I for sure need to work on my creativity and finally explore ways to work on what I like and aspire to be!
Thank you for this video!
*I am actually happy to see you putting your happiness first over anything else.. Good luck for the near future Zoe* : )) 💗
Dude as someone who graduated from ucla (summer 2020) and started working as a corporate financial analyst in 2021, this is definitely the third sign I’ve gotten to quit my job. I’m burnt out as hell and i’m NOT passionate or enjoy my job nor do I like the terrible work-life balance I have from this job BUT this job is paying bills and my ucla student loans. That being said I’m turning 24 this year and I get a LOT of anxiety thinking how all I’ve done since turning 22 is work, work, WORK for the sake of constantly growing up in a survival mode, but not actually taking the time to breathe and pause and actually ask myself what it is I gravitate towards.
So happy for you to take such a big leap and great responsibility for your life. It is so motivating to see others following their passion. I believe we are created to follow our passion. It is the meaning of life. Otherwise there is no difference between being dead or alive, no point for living. But making decision intelligently, which means trying not to cause harm, and surviving in the moment, is the best way.
Wow, this was the video I needed to see. Just a bit of background I am 2 years into my big 4 career in International Tax and I know how lucky I am to have been able to work in this practice especially in a time of global tax reform where career outlooks in this field are going to be great. However, I am former military and I am missing that sense of purpose in my life. I loved helping people directly in that first responder type of environment, I liked seeing the direct impact of my job and working to help corporations pay less taxes is just not fulfilling me. I have been wanting to career switch into being a firefighter and I submitted my resignation today to pursue that. All that said, thank you for this! I already feel so much happier
I hope it goes/ went well!
I interned in big 4 and that was enough for me lol. I got a grad offer and instantly turned it down. I am now working in industry and it is SO much better. Progression isn’t hampered at all and my starting pay is $15k more than big 4.
You made the right decision, and you have to be brave in order to do that. It’s easier to just accept status quo, it’s actually very hard to stop and change things. Congrats and best of luck :)
I love the genuine smile in the last part of vid.
I’m only twenty so my experience quitting is pertaining to university not a job, but I saw that my fashion design school was going to take my passion and desire to work in fashion away from me and burn me out for years. So I left my previous design school and I’ve been taking a gap year studying Italian full time and figuring out where to go from here. I keep finding myself in a similar place of wanting to feel safety. Up until last week I was planning to take the entrance exam for Bocconi (very competitive business school) and one day while studying I just thought if it’s this hard to motivate myself to learn for this exam, it won’t be any easier if I attend this school. So now I’m doing an exam for an actual design program that I actually enjoy learning about. The exam isn’t until September, which means if I don’t get in then, there’s no backup school, but I’m okay with that now. Things don’t always have to go to plan and I can figure out the bumps when they arrive.
Good luck with the exam! And just trust that you'll get in life what you need at the right moments :)
@@lotsoflovemadelief so sweet thank you! :)
👏👏👏good luck with your future
Yup, I am a job quitter too. Had a great team, but working in the corporate environment wasn't fulfilling for me, so I only did it for 1.5 years, took 1 year break from working and I'm working on becoming a content creator too, as I enjoy telling stories, helping people and doing creative & educational stuff. If I ever need more money, I'll just go for a part-time job that won't drain all my energy so I can stay focused on the things that really matter to me.
update
This is literally one of the most honest and important things I have ever watched, I have been struggling with the career part of my life for a while and recently I have been really realizing and prioritizing myself and this is so helpful, thank you so much!
I hope to be able to do the same you did pretty soon! Corporate job drains all your happiness if you're a top performer, because we like to do a perfect job and we give our best and when we see we are working and doing much more than we should and we're paid for. You're amazing, thanks for the video! Happy you better now
Right! I think it is like the curse of perfectionist people in work life
True 👏👏👏👏👏
I only saw the title and didn’t even watch the entire video and my reaction is - heck yeah finally. You’re better than this accounting job. So much better.
I’m about to start my big four job! I’m really happy for you!!!
I just recently started working at a big four firm in assurance and I already feel like this is not the right job for me long term, but at the same time, I do enjoy parts of the job while hating other parts. what really stuck out to me tho is that you said an experience that shows you what you don't want is just as valuable as one that works out. I feel like I really needed to hear that. I push myself a lot to figure things out right now as if I am wasting my time or not living my life to the fullest and I feel like I have to remind myself that this is a great learning opportunity to find out what I like and don't like about accounting to help me find a direction to go in, so thank you for that insight.
we love a queen who knows her worth! thanks for taking us along on your career journey, job quitters rise up 😼
I am soo freaking happy for you, Zoe! You got me feeling emotional 😭 I actually met you virtually briefly during last summer and I really do admire your courage and confidence in breaking out and pursuing a path that makes you happy. I sometime debate on whether I should pursue working in audit at Big Four or working at global based fraud investigation company, since I am interested in international fraud field. You brought up the fact that we need to explore on what we want to do, instead of securing right away, so I will try to do that during my college years. Best of luck at your new job and I am excited to see your creative side bloom more : )
Lots of Love Zoe!! ❤️
My dilemma rn. I like my team but the work is really repetitive and it's weighing me down😭😭
I've literally just quit my corporate job too! I jumped straight into this job right after I graduated as it was the only job in my area that needed a foreign language speaker and I've been miserable, but at the same time it's taught me a lot about what I want in a job. I realised that I wanted to do something that involved my foreign languages more and I wanted to be my own boss! I'm now going to go freelance as a translator... Scary to make that step but uts the best one to do.
Zoe I’m genuinely so happy and proud of you! I’m in the same boat with the leave thinking about the future and you have inspired me to take a leap of faith and recover from the never ending busy seasons. So excited for everything that’s to come for you!
I changed my major once already and now I still don't feel happy with my current one (psychology), because I'm also a rather creative person😩 but I told myself I should at least push through this one and not waste my credits. It's kinda hard to meet the pressure from parents, surrounding etc
You did the right thing and I'm so happy for you! Marketing will definitely be more fitting for you since it's a more creative field! I think that in order to grow we need to make big changes in our lives. I have already put in my 2 weeks notice but I have no plan. Just some savings. But I know that I'm still young and that job and work place is not for me. I'll put my mental health first.
To anyone reading this, don't be afraid to take the risk. ✨
Good luck girl!!
I also tried my hand at accounting. I think I lasted a month and I was like nope. Then I did a law degree and what do you know, we have units such as accounting for lawyers, economics and the law, economics analysis of the law. Accounting is my unofficial stalker 🤣🤣
You know what, I'm so proud of you and who you have become over the years you are amazing and I'm so glad your choosing what is good for you I love you so much thank you for giving me hope in my life
Thank you for your experience, this was so interesting to watch. Now I know how a job quitting is gonna work !
Okay I'm gonna put it here. I've done bachelors in English Literature and Linguistics and I've always been the best student of my class the entire time. I was an average student in my school, loved all subjects except maths, physics and chemistry, idk why I never was good at them. I've always loved English, so even though I did not choose this field for myself I still ended up liking it. Now when I'm done with it I'm literally clueless. I didn't think about what I was going to do after my bachelors degree. I'll probably continue my studies but career wise, I'm stuck as f. The most common option would be to go for teaching, but I can't stress enough how much I dislike doing that. I tried to do it, didn't last more than 3 days lol. It always makes me feel suffocated, and I'm not being dramatic I swear. This field literally just packs me in a small box and I hate it here. Everybody around me think I should do it anyway cause that's how I'll get experience. I don't understand what experience they're talking about? I'm unhappy when I'm doing that. Sometimes I feel like I'm just scared to do this, idek. So now when I'm doing nothing, I'm so tired of everything. I'm always feeling guilty for not doing anything and think maybe i should have gone for teaching, maybe everyone's right lol. I'm so scared, to the point that I fear I'll end up doing exactly what I don't like doing. I wish I knew what I wanted but I don't, sad. I wish I end up doing what I love, which I don't know either. This is such a sensitive thing for me and no one around me understands this, I'm scared to death thinking about all this. Ahh, I had no one to talk to so I just wrote it all here, wanted to get it off my chest.
Zoe your content is the best, always, and as someone who knows the desire to do something you really love, I really do wish you always do what you love. Lots of love x
I also quit my public accounting job. There was so much burn out. I did the math and saw that hourly the pay was not worth it. I loved my team and work but the sheer amount of work was just not it. Switching industries and going to a place where I can work with creative people made life 100x better. I value work-life balance so so so much more now than I did when I was in university. Seeing Zoe happy and liberated is so exciting and i'm so happy for her!
Woah the little confession about how you don’t fit in and your therapist little comment on that was something i needed.
This might sound so weird but i mean it in the best way possible- your hand movements are like visual ASMR and i'm absolutely addicted to how you express your thoughts through movement. It's hypnotic. Thank you for the calming and thoughtful videos Zoe ❣️
I know I dislike accounting but the thought of having a stable job and income made me choose this path. I wonder if I should work in audit to get the "experience" and come back to accounting. Or just choose a completely different path, which I don't know where to go.
I am in the situation as u. But i decided to get the experience of audit for few years first despite on how busy it is. There are a lot more advisory job that we could explore as an accounting student, not only being an accountant. All those jobs also are stable jobs.
Nevertheless , having the experience in audit could make it easier for you to get into advisory or any other accounting field. Just make research about career offer that come with accounting qualification. U can see other job scope than accountant and audit. Maybe you will find one that suits you the most.
Goodluck !
This is why I love zoe
This is exactly what I needed to see. I have been an accounting major for about two years. Last week I decided to make a big change and go into the English school to pursue my passions of Literature and Writing. While I was taking more business centered classes, that was honestly the worst time of my life. It wasn't just school, my job was busy and horrible, and I was just unmotivated and had no passion. I chose accounting because I value security and knew that taking that route would grant me that in the future. I also have responsibilities and wanted to be financially stable for myself, and my family in the future. But as Zoe said, time is valuable and time is money. If I have more time flexibility in a more creative career, then I think I'd be of even more value to my family in the future. And even though I am reaching for a significantly lower paying job now, that doesn't mean I can't build up my wealth through investing or making other smart financial decisions. For the first time in a long time, I am excited and looking forward to my future and the career I want to pursue. I'm working harder in school, and really working to get my life in order. I can't live an unpassionate life anymore, and I refuse to waste what precious time I've been given on this earth. Anyway, I really appreciate everything Zoe does and am so so happy for her. She's truly and inspiration and role model to all people.
congrats on the new job!!
number 4 is THE TRUTH. i recently quit my leadership position that everyone tells me i was good at because i HATED it. it stressed me out so much and isn't something i ever even wanted to do, but i just ended up there. starting a new job doing something i enjoy very soon and couldn't be more excited 😁😁
Same experience right now. Can you give me tips?
I want to be a paramedic. The idea of sitting infront of a computer makes me wanna scream
You got this
CONGRATS ZOE!! I was waiting for this video 🥲 So excited for what’s next and to hear about your new role. Hmu if you’re still in LA!
Zoe, I am so proud of you!! Health and wellbeing is the most important. And don't worry about uploading- rather a late update with you being happy than you being burned out because of stress!
Kinda sad to see this since, as you know, the industry is in dire need of new talent. You actually really inspired me through my ACCT journey, and I even landed the same firm. So I am a little sad to see this since I am so excited to start.
Queen I quit my job today too!
Omg congrats and best of luck!
@@zoeunlimited thank youuu I'm very excited x
I'm so so so happy for you Zoe :) full power to you ! You know such decisions are hard to take but you did it I'm so happy and I hope you get to do what you not only good at but passionate too this time
Saw this after rendering my last day on my accounting job. Haha. So timely.
i feel so lost… watching this video helps
This really resonates with me
I’ve always wanted to be a chef but my parents pressured me into engineering. Been kinda regretting since day one, and I’m about to graduate. Definitely won’t settle for this too long, but in the meantime I’ll have to.
wow, what a coincidence that you upload this video on the same day when I started considering leaving my job. I relate so much to what you were going through. I know I'm made for a more creative job than my 9-5 but I'm soo hesitant to leave my job because my team is great! But I can't stay just for the team, or because I feel obligated to stay longer since I haven't started a long time ago. I'm still confused as to what I should do now. But thank you so much for sharing your journey, zoe! It's helping me realize some important things.
I’m here for you 💕💕💕💕
I love how she says, "FOR YOU work life balance is very important" lol corporate America has no redemption
Yea 🥲
Hello, hope your business will stay boomin' even after quitting
I'm so glad that you're doing what you love, Zoe!! You totally have what it takes to be a great marketer.
CONGRATSSSS!! DO WHAT U LOVEEEEEEEEEE :)
omg zoe, thank you for sharing this!! i started following you because i loved your videos and how you spoke so eloquently - but i also loved the fact you worked in accounting (so do i!) and you talked about how damn miserable it is!!!
ive been working to switch careers (even going back to school) because this profession is just awful imo. everyone in our field is overworked and underpaid - never appreciated and frequently disrespected by clients. it’s exhausting. the pay seems high until you account for the mandatory overtime - then you realize you don’t even make minimum wage :/
anyway, this video was so so comforting. thank you so much for sharing 🥺❤️ im looking forward to quitting my job too lol!!
I also take a break after my exam is on next Tuesday. I Hope I do my all. I love Zoe sis because she always say what you need for your happy life. Because we just have just 1 life.🍃
The cultural difference is interesting. In Spain (or mostly Europe), we consider the big 4 to start a professional career (as an intern or junior), but not forever! We call them "factories" and we dream of ending up in a small company, more friendly. We would never tolerate a life in which work is the center of everything, nor work in a company that doesn't think about our well-being. But I have been working in the sector for 7 years and I know... It's very difficult to quit. I wish you a wonderful life full of joy and beautiful things 💕
Just know that you’re making everyone’s day better with your content and I really appreciate your hard work! Sending love from far away ✨❤️
Watching this specific video of yours really reminds me of what I am currently going through. I am actually an incoming 4th year Accounting Stud, and always felt that this career path is not for me 'cuz I am more in tuned with my creative side. However, I can't really quit midway (huhuhuhu eldest daughter problems). I really admire how you chose yourself over a career that has been slowly killing you. I hope I would too. Thanks, Sis Zoe
Yay for putting yourself first, it's so important!!
Good luck maddy
@@ifrahjama2215 Thanks Ifrah!!
So happy for you, Zoe!
Just got my first job in my life and already watching this vedio 😅
Congratulations! I'm really happy for you and I cannot wait to see what's next for you ♥️
sometime i know it's hard the life has a very good reason for everthing but it doesn't tell you coz it is testing you just don't be yourself if possible evertime try to better yourself i know it's hard but just do it.....
i’m currently hospitalized after spending too much time working in public accounting. then you uploaded this. coincidence? i think not. ima resign too
Get well soon
I’m so proud of my girl!!! 🥺🥺😭😭 You go girl!!! 🥳🥳🥳
i'm currently in the midst of a long leave and i suppose, going through the same process as you -- deciding if this career is for me, where i should go next, self-exploration etc. I really hope things go well - because i was really at my breaking point.
This thumbnail looks amazzzingg! ❤❤❤
Her smile and the look she gives is literally EVERYTHING bro !!! zeounlimited if you see this than plzz post a vid of u only smiling looking in da camera and imma literally die after watching it 👀😫💜🤷♀️
I remember quitting PwC same position too 😂 good for you!
Ugh I resonate with your video so much! I love medicine, but I also feel like my creativity cup is not getting filled. You're so brave! Best of luck 😊
I’m really glad and proud of you that you decided to do this change for yourself. And I’m super happy about the new job, marketing will suit you much better and I hope you’ll be happy there ❤️
I am working in the US as an international student and felt, sometimes, frustrated with visa here. I can feel you, Zoe.
I am a teenager and my family wants me to do something that I am absolutely have no interest or I would be never happy doing it when I saw you I understand being happy in what we do is good for us we don't regret it later I was so confused about what should I choose but this help me out thanks .All the best to all who are on there way to happiness
You are an extremely braw girl and I like how you got such positive messages from your coworkers and friends.
Also, your laugh is so cute :D
so so happy for you!! this video gave me a lot of inspiration, as I am in college trying to figure out my career choices.. so thank u so much for the amazing content + best of luck with the new job! :)
Zoe, i just love you❤
i'm really excited for you!! it's always scary to jump into something unfamiliar. i wanted to go to med school from a young age but decided to do a science degree first and i'm really glad i made that choice because it made me realize that it wasn't really what i wanted. double-majoring in biochemistry and sociology now but i hope to apply to law school after grad. best of luck to you and can't wait for more content!
youre duch a genuine person i hope life only keeps on treating u right
So happy for you, you inspire me so much!!!
Was so confused cause genuinely just thought u were a UA-camr this whole time 😂 but congratz on quitting must feel amazing!!
I just absolutely love u and ur videos!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is encouraging! Thank you for sharing this, Zoe!
Love u Zoe 💕
U made me out of my depression.
Congratulations! So proud of you. I left the practice of law to become a playwright and I've never once regretted it. My Korean mother is mortified, but she loves me anyway and that's all that matters.
Evertimr we see Zoe, We feel so so much positive !!! I really need that cu Today I feel alot negative
Thank you for making this video! I am leaving my corporate job in May when I graduate college, so that I can move to a different country and work primarily outdoors and with a small business. It's a huge financial risk, but you are so right that mental health and choosing to pursue what inspires you is so much more important (when possible, privilege helps I know).
I’m so happy for you!!!❤️
Good Luck on your new job!
You re so brave for doing that thinking about your own mental health and what is better for you. Thanking you so much for sharing this with us. Being only in my first year of college, It reassures me a lot.
Exactly did the same thing. Im so glad you did it for your happiness zoey